Day Trips from Jacksonville: Exploring the Area
Every year, my family and I pack up our camper and head to Florida for the winter. As snowbirds, we’ve found Jacksonville to be a great base. It’s close to beaches, state parks, and charming small towns. When we’re not relaxing at the campground, we love exploring the area. Over time, we’ve found some great day trips from Jacksonville that are perfect for families.
Here are a few of our favorites.
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is just a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville. Known as the oldest city in the United States, it’s packed with history and fun things to do. You can stroll through the historic district with its cobblestone streets and visit landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos. This old fort has incredible views of the water and is a hit with kids who love exploring the cannons and walls.
Don’t miss St. George Street. It’s a pedestrian-friendly area filled with shops, ice cream parlors, and unique little restaurants. Be sure to grab lunch at a casual spot here. If you like learning about the past, the Pirate & Treasure Museum is a fun stop, especially for children.
For outdoor fun, check out Anastasia State Park. It’s a quiet beach with great spots for shelling and bird watching. You can bring a picnic and spend a few hours soaking up the sun. St. Augustine is an easy and fun day trip from Jacksonville that you will not regret.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs is about two hours from Jacksonville, but it’s so worth the drive. This state park is famous for its crystal-clear water and glass-bottom boat tours. The boat rides are a great way to see fish, turtles, and even manatees in the winter months. The kids will get excited looking through the glass and spotting wildlife.
If you prefer to paddle, you can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the spring-fed river on your own. It’s peaceful and not too challenging, making it great for beginners. There are also trails for walking and picnicking areas if you want to bring lunch.
Silver Springs has been one of our favorite places to visit. The mix of nature and unique activities makes it a must-see spot for families.
Amelia Island
Amelia Island is just 45 minutes north of Jacksonville. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and charming downtown area. Fernandina Beach, the main town, has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.
Take a morning and spend some time at Fort Clinch State Park. The fort is well-preserved, and the rangers are happy to answer questions. The park also has hiking trails and a beach, so you can spend the day outside.
Another fun activity on Amelia Island is looking for shark teeth. The beaches here are great for finding fossils. Kids love combing through the sand and showing off their finds.
Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island is just a half-hour drive from Jacksonville. It’s a great place to visit if you love nature. The park’s main attraction is Boneyard Beach, where you’ll find driftwood trees scattered along the sand. It’s like stepping into another world.
Take a day and spend a few hours walking along the shore. The trails are easy and offer pretty views of the marsh and water. This is a quieter spot, so it’s perfect if you want a peaceful escape.
Gainesville
Gainesville is about 90 minutes away and has a surprising number of things to do. Make sure to visit the Florida Museum of Natural History. It has a huge butterfly rainforest where you can walk among the butterflies. Kids love it.
If you like hiking, the area has great trails. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is nearby and offers chances to see wild bison, horses, and even alligators. You will have lots of exciting wildlife sightings there!
Downtown Gainesville also has plenty of places to eat, so grab a lunch before heading back to Jacksonville.
Fort George Island
Fort George Island is just a short drive from downtown Jacksonville. It’s part of the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The island has hiking trails, kayaking opportunities, and history to explore. Kingsley Plantation is a fascinating stop where you can learn about the area’s past.
Bring your bikes and ride the beautiful trails here. It’s a nice mix of forest and water views. You can easily spend a half-day exploring this hidden gem.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
If you love tubing, this is the spot for you. Ichetucknee Springs is about two hours from Jacksonville and offers a relaxing way to spend a day. You can float down the spring-fed river in a tube and enjoy the clear, cool water.
In addition to tubing, you can snorkel, paddle, or hike. The park has picnic areas, so we always bring sandwiches and snacks for the kids. It’s a bit of a drive, but the natural beauty and fun activities make it a favorite of our day trips from Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Beaches
Of course, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a great day out. Jacksonville’s own beaches are fantastic. You will love spending time at Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. These spots are perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and relaxing.
There are also great local restaurants nearby. Don’t forget to grab some seafood for lunch after a morning at the beach. These beaches are close enough that you can visit for just a few hours or make it a full day outing.
What island is close to Jacksonville?
Amelia Island is close to Jacksonville, just 45 minutes north.
Which city is very close to Jacksonville, Florida?
St. Augustine is very close, only 45 minutes south of Jacksonville
How far is the ocean from Jacksonville, Florida?
The ocean is about 20-30 minutes east depending on traffic.
How far is Disney from Jacksonville?
Disney World is around 2.5 hours southwest of Jacksonville depending on traffic.
Final Thoughts
There are so many fun day trips from Jacksonville to enjoy. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just relaxing on the beach, there’s something for everyone.
Over the years, our family has had some amazing adventures exploring some of these spots. If you’re spending time in Jacksonville, we hope this list helps you plan some memorable outings too!
More Resources:
A Retreat in the Wild: Camping in Silver Springs Florida
Ocala Florida Springs: Which one to visit?
